Geophysical Imaging and Monitoring
IDEA League Fellowship 2025
Inversion of ultrasound transmission measurements
IDEA League Fellowship 2025
Inversion of ultrasound transmission measurements- RWTH Aachen University
- 2025/01
- 1 year
- In progress
This project conducted by Marc S. Boxberg focuses on enhancing the interpretation of ultrasound transmission measurements in terms of petrophysics by exploring inverse problems of wave propagation. We aim to improve the determination of rock properties such as P-wave and S-wave velocities as well as attenuation coefficients from recorded ultrasound waveforms using full-waveform inversion techniques. This approach builds on promising results from previous research and a recent Master thesis by Ghozy El Fatih.
Key aspects of the project include:
- Laboratory measurements: measurements will be conducted at the petrophysical laboratory of Delft University of Technology in spring. The facility is equipped with advanced instruments for acoustic analysis in the megahertz frequency range and imaging equipment like CT scanners. These tools will help us to obtain detailed images of the rock samples’ microstructure, providing valuable a priori information for our inversion models.
- Theoretical development: In September, collaboration with researchers in computational mathematics at Chalmers University of Technology will further develop the theoretical aspects of the inversion procedures.
- Synergies with other projects: Although the primary goal is methodological advancement, the project aligns with the recently initiated ET-plan project and offers benefits for the Einstein Telescope initiative. Access to core samples from new boreholes drilled in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine region (e.g., Aubel, Gemmenich, Henri-Chapelle, and Vijlen) and Lusatia is available. Homogeneous samples suitable for ultrasound transmission measurements have been selected in consultation with the project geologists.
This project is funded by RWTH Aachen University through the University of Excellence as part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy.
Project partners
TU Delft:
- Assistant Prof. Katrin Löer
- Associate Prof. Auke Barnhoorn
Chalmers University of Technology:
- Prof. Larissa Beilina